Delegate for the research field Earth and Environment(f/m/d) Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft

We are looking for bright minds to help us shape strategic research.

The Helmholtz Association pursues the long-term research goals of the state, society and the economy. To this end its 18 scientific-technical and biological-medical research centres conduct top- level research in six research fields. With more than 48,000 employees, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

The seven centres in the Helmholtz research field Earth and Environment study the Earth system and the complex interactions between people and nature. They apply a systemic approach to researching our natural environment; from the land surface and the oceans to the most remote polar regions. The research field Earth and Environment develops solutions and strategies to help humankind adapt to changing environmental conditions and to minimize global threats like climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and their impacts, not just for the environment but for the economy and society.

The Brussels Office of the Helmholtz Association provides information and support in all aspects of European research funding for both the scientists and the executive boards of the Helmholtz research centres. Its goal is to facilitate their participation in EU Research programmes. It represents the interests of the Helmholtz Association at European level, prepares Helmholtz positions and input on European science policy and supports intensifying and expanding networks and research collaboration in Europe and beyond.

Your responsibilities

You represent the research field Earth and Environment in Brussels for the Helmholtz Association and its individual centres and you actively support its strategic positioning.

• You represent the interests of the research field vis-à-vis relevant EU institutions (e.g. the European Commission and the European Parliament).
• You cooperate with the individual centres, the Management Board Earth and Environment, the Vice President Earth and Environment and the Helmholtz Head Office through regular strategic coordination.
• You regularly inform the Management Board Earth and Environment about your main activities and provide suggestions for joint future European activities (e.g. events in Brussels, policy briefs).
• You act as a point of contact and advisor for EU officers and scientists of the Helmholtz Centres. You inform them about the latest research policy developments and decisions of the European institutions, draft opinions and provide strategic recommendations.
• You analyse research funding programmes and strategic initiatives at the European level with regard to the specific interests of the centres. You inform the centres and advise them throughout all phases of the application process.
• You will also act for the interests of the entire Helmholtz Association with regard to selected horizontal EU funding programmes and initiatives.
• You independently organise, coordinate and conduct information events, training courses and consultations at the centres and in Brussels.

Your profile

• You have a postgraduate degree, preferably doctorate or equivalent, in a relevant field, preferably in natural science.
• You have relevant and long-standing international experience in European research funding and policy as well as experience in applying for EU research projects. You are motivated to help shape the European Research Area.
• You think strategically, creatively and are goal-oriented.
• You work proactively.
• You have a strong service mentality and enjoy building and maintaining networks.
• You appreciate creative freedom and a high degree of personal responsibility.
• You enjoy working with and coordinating different expectations and demands.
• You have strong communication skills and can excellently prepare written and oral information in English. The ability to understand German is important.
• You are flexible in terms of time and enjoy business trips.

We offer

• An attractive and challenging fulltime position (39 hours/week) at the interface of research and society, initially limited to 2 years full-time.
• A competitive individual salary.
• A work place at the Helmholtz Office in Brussels, Belgium, with an own office for the delegate for the research field Earth and Environment and a team of 11 committed colleagues.
• A stimulating and professional working environment, which is characterised by independent action and constructive and collegial cooperation in a committed team.
• The opportunity for mobile work.
• Employment at one of the seven leading environmental research centres of the Helmholtz research field Earth and Environment, as part of the secondment to the Helmholtz Office in Brussels.
• Individual training opportunities that enable professional and personal skill development.

Your application

We look forward to receiving your application with an application letter in English via our application form by June 21, 2026. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by mail or email in the application process.

If you have any questions about the position please contact Ioannis Legouras, director of the Brussels office (+32 2 5000-970), or Ursula Schmitz, coordinator international affairs at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ (+49 341 6025 1833).

The selection committee will consist of representatives from the Helmholtz Office, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, and further Helmholtz centres. These individuals will have access to your application materials solely for the purpose of conducting the selection process. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.